Patriarch Mar Paulus III Nona Receives Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Ankawa

His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paulus III Nona received the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Masrour Barzani, on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Chaldean Archdiocesan Residence in Ankawa, as part of His Beatitude’s pastoral visit to the Region.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the situation of Christians in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the values of coexistence, fraternity, and mutual respect among the various components of society. The two sides also highlighted the need to promote stability and safeguard the religious and cultural diversity that characterizes both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.

His Beatitude expressed his appreciation for the role played by the Kurdistan Regional Government in supporting the Christian presence and protecting the rights of all communities. He commended its efforts to provide a safe environment that enables citizens to freely practice their religious beliefs and preserve their rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

For his part, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed His Beatitude’s visit and reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s continued support for Christians and all components of society. He stressed the importance of promoting the values of citizenship, coexistence, and peace, in a manner that serves the future of Iraq and all its diverse communities.